Canopy for covering a table top

Abstract

The canopy has a generally dome-shaped cover which, in use opens downwardly. The canopy is used in conjunction with a clamp for attaching the canopy to a table such that access to any objects on the table top cannot be gained without detaching the canopy from the table top. The canopy prevents unwanted handling of dishes and cutlery during pre-meal set up as well as unwanted handling of food and any other items on the table before a meal is ready to be served.

1 . In combination, a canopy for a table provided with a table top having oppositely facing upper and lower surfaces between which a side wall extends, said canopy comprising: a generally dome-shaped cover which, in use opens downwardly; and securing means for removably attaching said canopy to said table such that access to any objects on said upper surface over which said cover lies cannot be gained without detaching said canopy from said table top. 
   
   
       2 . The combination of  claim 1  further including a frame adapted to be seated on said upper surface, said cover being attached to said frame and extending upwardly therefrom. 
   
   
       3 . The combination of  claim 2  wherein said securing means, when functioning to attached said canopy to said table, is arranged and constructed to prevent said frame from being pivoted upward about said securing means to gain access to said objects. 
   
   
       4 . The combination of  claim 2  wherein said securing means includes a pair of parallel spaced apart jaws which function to clamp said frame and said table top together with resulting attachment of said canopy and said table, one of said jaws, when so functioning, contacting an area of said frame of sufficient size as to prevent said canopy from being pivoted upward about said securing means. 
   
   
       5 . The combination of  claim 1  wherein said securing means includes: a pair of parallel spaced apart jaws; resilient means for urging said jaws together; and a handle for applying a force manually to at least one of said jaws, opposed to the bias of the said resilient means, in order to separate said jaws such that said canopy can be removed from said table top. 
   
   
       6 . The combination of  claim 2  wherein said securing means includes: a pair of parallel spaced apart jaws; resilient means for urging said jaws together; and a handle for applying a force manually to at least one of said jaws, opposed to the bias of the said resilient means, in order to separate said jaws, said frame and said table top being clamped together between said jaws. 
   
   
       7 . The combination of  claim 5  further including sealing means disposed on each said jaw for sealingly engaging said canopy and said table top. 
   
   
       8 . The canopy of  claim 1  wherein said canopy is composed of washable plastic. 
   
   
       9 . In combination, a canopy for a table provided with a table top having oppositely facing upper and lower surfaces between which a side wall extends, said canopy comprising: a generally dome-shaped cover which, in use, opens downwardly, and a frame adapted to be seated on said upper surface, said cover being attached to said frame and extending upwardly therefrom; and securing means for removably attaching said canopy to said table, said securing means having a pair of parallel spaced apart jaws which function to clamp said frame and said table top together with resulting attachment of said canopy to said table, one of said jaws, when so functioning, contacting an area of said frame of sufficient size as to prevent said canopy from being pivoted upward about said securing means such that access to any objects on said upper surface over which said cover lies is prevented without detaching said canopy from said table top. 
   
   
       10 . The combination of  claim 9  wherein said securing means includes resilient means for urging said jaws together; and a handle for applying a force manually to at least one of said jaws, opposed to the bias of the said resilient means, in order to separate said jaws such that said canopy can be removed from said table top.